William Seymour's Doctrine and Discipline
Constitution of the Apostolic Faith Mission
Article A
Section 1. The name of this corporation shall be the “Apostolic Faith Mission.”
Section 2. The objects of this corporation are set in “II” of the amended articles as above set forth.
Section 3. There shall be no political discussions or any other discussions contrary to the law of God. The bishop shall decide what discussions shall take place in the mission.
Article B
This mission shall have jurisdiction over all Subordinate missions that may hereafter be formed or come under the supervision of this mission. It shall have the right and power of granting charters to subordinate missions hereafter formed, or of suspending or annulling or revoking the same for proper cause.
Article C
This mission shall be composed of one bishop, one vice bishop, one secretary, one treasurer, five trustees, three deacons, two deaconsesses, two elders, one superintendent of Sunday schools, one superintendent of apostolic endeavor. The bishop, vice bishop and trustees must be people of color.
Article D
The mission shall hold its annual meeting on the first Monday in April at 7:30 P.M. of each and every year. There shall be such other meetings as the bishop may elect.
Article E
The elective officers shall be the board of trustees who are elected as follows: Two for one year, one for two years and two for three years. All to be elected by ballot or the yea or no. That said trustees have been elected as hereinbefore set forth. After the first year there shall be three trustees only. The bishop and wife shall be trustees for life.
Article F
The founder and organizer of the mission shall be the bishop. He shall be a colored person, thoroughly converted and sanctified.
Article G
The other officers, trustees and bishop, shall be appointed by the bishop and hold office during such time as the bishop may direct and be subject to removal by the bishop.
The bishop shall approve all members taken into this mission, grant charters, revoke charters, establish rules and discipline for the guidance of the mission. Preside and lead at all meetings. Appoint all officers except the trustees. Remove all officers except trustees and perform any and such other and further duties that may devolve upon him from time to time. The bishop and wife shall be trustees for life time. The bishop and wife shall be head trustees of the church. The bishop shall remove trustees only for failing to obey the laws and doctrines of the church.
The vice bishop shall be appointed by the bishop and he shall be a colored man who has served the mission faithfully and well. His duties are as follows: Upon the death, removal, resignation or disqualification of the bishop, the vice bishop shall succeed the bishop. The vice bishop shall assist the bishop as he may direct. Help the bishop ordain preachers of the gospel as well as missionaries.
The duties of the other officers shall be as the bishop may provide.
Article H
There shall be such other committees as the bishop may provide and from time to time select, all to serve under the direction of the bishop and in the interests of the mission.
Article I
There may be such other subordinate missions as may from time to time be established. That upon the written request of not less than twenty-five persons who are converted, a mission may be founded and established. There must be passed a resolution by said twenty-five persons to the effect that they desire to found an Apostolic Faith Mission. The resolution expressing their desire must be forwarded to this mission. If the bishop is satisfied with the resolution he may then proceed to grant a charter to said mission, which is all times under the control and supervision of this mission. When the said charter is granted, the said mission becomes a part of this mission.
Article J
The bishop shall have power to hear all matters pertaining to the expulsion of any member of said mission and of any subordinate mission.
The bishop shall have power to expel or suspend any member for any misconduct or for any violations of the scriptures. Every member against whom any charge is filed shall have a hearing before the bishop and two other members or officers chosen by the bishop. If after hearing the evidence the said member may be expelled or suspended from the mission if the bishop and one member to order. But no one shall be expelled or suspended from the membership without the bishop's consent.
Article K
This Constitution may be amended in the manner provided by the consent of the bishop or by-law.
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